25 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Michigan State and UCF both enroll students right around a 25 ACT, so you are not guessing in the dark. A score like this matches more than 1,300 colleges nationwide, with almost 600 where you have a good shot. You're in a good spot to look at well-known state universities without stretching for every single one.
How 25 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 79th - higher than about 79% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 21 - you're above the typical score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1210 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,352 schools (598 target, 116 reach, 638 safety).
Is a 25 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 25 ACT is a good score. It lands above the national average of 21 and opens solid options at a lot of recognizable public universities.
Texas A&M (25-31) and Alabama (24-31) both include 25 in the middle 50%, though you are at the low end at A&M. San Diego State (22-29) overlaps more comfortably. A place like Clemson (28-32) is still a reach because 25 falls below its usual band.
Your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations still matter as much as this number. A 25 will not make or break you on its own, but it will not hold you back at schools where the score already fits.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 25 ACT
Arizona State (21-28) and Kentucky (21-28) are places where 25 is comfortably inside the middle 50%. Tennessee (25-31) is a target too, just closer to the bottom of its range. Penn State (27-32) and Virginia Tech (28-32) are tougher, since 25 is below their usual bands. You will also see plenty of safer backups where 25 is clearly above the usual scores.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
University of Arizona (21-29) and East Carolina (21-26) both have middle 50% ranges that include 25. Those are good-shot schools, and the table below has hundreds more like them.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Ohio State (28-32) and Georgia (29-34) typically enroll students a few points above a 25. You can apply, but they are tougher to get into from here.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Ball State (20-24) and University of Memphis (18-24) usually land below a 25 in the middle 50%. Your odds look strong at these and at a long list of similar backups.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 25 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 25 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 25 ACT
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Should you retake the ACT if you have a 25?
You don't need to retake the ACT just because you scored a 25. That number already fits a lot of well-known colleges. Consider another test date if you want a better shot at highly selective publics like Florida, UCLA, or Georgia.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| Could help at highly selective publics | Time away from grades and activities |
| May lift you closer to Florida or UCLA ranges | A 25 already fits hundreds of colleges |
| Useful if one section felt unusually low | Another test date is not guaranteed to rise |
Serious prep often raises an ACT composite by about 1-2 points. Take a couple of official practice tests, drill the section that cost you the most, and study steadily for a few weeks instead of cramming the night before.
Send the 25 if your target schools already line up, or prep for a retake if a higher score would open tougher schools.
25 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 25 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 22 | 1110 |
| 23 | 1140 |
| 24 | 1180 |
| 25 | 1210 |
| 26 | 1240 |
| 27 | 1280 |
| 28 | 1310 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 25 ACT places you in about the 79th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 79% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 25 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 24 and 26
- Browse the equivalent 1210 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026